22
Sep
Humans and dogs alike can get ear infections. Dogs will often groom themselves by licking.
This is when the other dogs prove to be of help.
Do dogs like licking ears. Lick other dogs ears like theres hidden ice cream in there. Is your dog an ear-licker too. Keep reading to find out.
3 dangers of this weird habit. 9 reasons why dogs lick other dogs ears. 5 tips you can do to stop your dogs from licking other dogs ears.
And much much more. Ear licking is a common behavior in dogs. According to James Glover DVM there is nothing detrimental about this behavior unless it is a question of sanitation.
Any dog owner will tell you dogs can have some quirky behaviors. Things like obsessively devouring socks trancing under curtains and houseplants compulsively barking at reflections and light and yes even licking your ears. Though ear licking can be a seemingly strange behavior its a relatively benign behavior for your dog to develop.
Attraction to the smell and taste of earwax is another reason your dog favors licking your ear versus other parts of your body such as your face hands or feet. Some dogs have a sophisticated palate and might like the slightly bitter or salty taste of earwax. Continual ear licking can be a sign of a developing compulsive behavior disorder.
If you are worried about the extent of your dogs ear licking and feel it is necessary to curb or put a stop to your dogs over-exuberant ear bashing it may be worthwhile to consult your pets veterinary professional. Humans and dogs alike can get ear infections. And if your dog is constantly licking your ears as well as the ears of other animals in the family these types of infections can be passed around.
Additionally if one of your dogs is more inclined to lick the ears of another animal this can. Remember one of the reasons dogs lick each others ears is because licking is soothing for them. Sure they can lick their paw or legs to get the same soothing effect but theyve developed a habit of licking the ears of your other dog.
When a dog develops a habit its hard to break it. When dogs are puppies face licking and ear licking are completely natural. In fact licking is something that a puppy will often do to signal to its mother that it is feeding time.
As the puppy grows up they simply carry this behavior along with them. The most common reason a dog may lick their humans ears is as a sign of affection. Back when dogs lived in packs in the wild they would lick the ears of their packmates to show that they accepted the other as a part of their pack.
Dogs licking each others ears is another instinct that they have had since they were small one that allows them to communicate many different things. While this type of behavior may start when the puppy is small they may carry this behavior with them as they get older and become an adult. In most cases dogs licking each others ears is a healthy and natural behavior that should not ring any alarms.
Sometimes however licking can indicate an underlying medical issue be it with the dog being licked or the one doing the licking. Bacterial or fungal infections like a yeast infection can cause a dog to scratch at her own ears. Dogs will often groom themselves by licking.
They will also groom others such as when a mother dogs licks her puppies. This is could be why your dog has been licking your ears. This would be more likely if it tries to lick you when you are not petting it.
What to do about your dog licking your ears. Though dogs know how to groom themselves but it is not possible for them to reach inside their ears. This is when the other dogs prove to be of help.
Dogs always want everyone in their pack to be healthy and thus as a part of their survival instincts they clean the ears of one another. You do not need to stop this behavior as it will not cause any problems at all. Dogs are known for all sorts of strange behaviors including licking each others ears.
Learning about the social behaviors of your pet will allow you to understand and appreciate it even more. There are numerous explanations for this particular behavior that youll want to know about. Why Its an Unhealthy Habit.
Amy Pike DVM of Veterinary Behavior Consultations in St. Louis Mo both dogs could potentially be at risk. If the dog being licked has an ear infection and is being treated with topical medication it could cause the dog doing the licking to get an upset stomach due to ingestion of the medication says Dr.
Pike although she adds that. The most reason your dog will hit you or someone elses ears are a show of love. There are sources for this behavior when dogs live in packs.
Pressing another dogs ears showed that the recipient had accepted the dog into the pack. So if your dog is licking. As much as we love them lets face it dogs are well known for their less than impeccable manners.
From butt sniffing to leg humping its safe to say theyre pretty comfortable with their animal selves but there are some behaviors that have most pet owners stumped like ear licking. So why do dogs lick ears and is it normal.